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APRIL 2018 newsletter

Pastor’s Corner

Discover The Life Change! Take the 30-Day Church Challenge Do you ever feel like you're just "getting by" in life, that maybe you were meant for something greater? What if, like Clark Kent, we all have a superhero inside? Not the kind that can leap tall buildings, but the kind that can make a difference by being a better parent or friend, or being more generous, or just by changing your priorities. Discover your true potential during the 30-Day Church Challenge beginning Sunday, April 22. We will spend 5 weeks exploring how being engaged in the five purposes of the church can help you reach your God-given potential. Don't miss a week of it—no phone booth is required! We want Church to be more than a place we come on Sundays. We want you to discover the incredible potential we all have together in the Church. I hope you’ll take the challenge…and I hope you’ll invite your friends too! Want to help? During the 30 Day Church Challenge, we would love for you to host a small group in your home for the 5 weeks. There is a DVD that will lead the way, and you can simply host people and help lead a discussion. Contact me if you are willing to host and we will help you from there! The 30-Day Church Challenge includes a five-week sermon series based in the Book of Acts that will cover Community, Worship, Growth, Sharing our Gifts and Sharing Christ.

April 22 | I Need More

April 29 | I can’t do it alone…and I don’t want to

May 6 | Because 1 hour in 168 Isn’t enough

May 13 | I need to know God more

May 20 | I have more to offer

On April 15 we will introduce the vision for the 30-Day Church Challenge in worship, and I hope you’ll join us for the whole campaign! I can’t wait to take the challenge with you….I’m praying it will change our lives! Blessings, Pastor Matt

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Thank you!

Dear Earth Angels and FUMC Church Family, Thankyou so much for the beautiful quilt an diapers for little Rowan. We greatly appreciate y’all thinking of us during this special time and will cherish the blanket for years to come.

Blessings, The LaTourette Family Dear Methodist Friends, What a pleasure it is to have you as neighbors! I have always appreciated this, but never more than this Spring Break week when my great-grands and I have discovered again the joy of picnicking where there is cleanliness and no bees! Thank you all for providing and sharing your facility like I believe God wants all of us to do.

God bless you all, Ann Laster Friends, Thank you for your continued support of Methodist Children’s Home. The gifts you give make a lasting impact on those in our care. I appreciate you all!

Laura Romero

Staff

Rev. Matt Pennington, Senior Pastor

Rev. Eradio Valverde, Pastor of Discipleship & Nurture

Brian Sherman, Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Katrina Sherman, Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Allison Davis, Director of Children & Family Ministries

Felicia Cantu, Office Manager

Rosemary Hindman, Business Manager

Janelle Lester, Wesley Nurse

Christina Menking, Organist

Bill Meadows, Pianist

Sandra Jandt, Happy House Director

Beronica Riojas, Custodian

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Crossroads District

Conference & Celebration

Saturday, April 21, 2018

District Conference at 3:30 p.m. District Celebration Banquet at 4:30 p.m.

Bastrop Convention Center 1408 Chestnut St., Bastrop, TX 78602

$15 per person for the banquet Please RSVP to Felicia

in the church office by April 4th.

History And Archives Tidbit: Growing butterflies is a wonderful Easter tradition for children that began in 2008 when “Painted Lady” larvae arrived approximately twenty-one days before Easter. The children, usually at Pioneer Club, transfer the food and larvae to a special container. The containers are carefully watched until they transform into pupae or chrysalis and, finally, into butterflies. These are released on Easter morning, symbolizing the amazing story of the resurrection of Jesus in a vivid way!

2018-2019 Flower Calendar

It’s time to start the 2018-2019 Flower Calendar. What a blessing it is to have beautiful fresh flowers gracing the altar each and every Sunday. Thank you to all of you who give so generously. Your bright green flower request forms will be in the mail soon. Those who give a full arrangement ($50) are welcome to take their flowers home to enjoy after the second service. They come in a convenient cardboard container that is easily removed from the permanent brass vases. The Worship Committee is looking for volunteers who would like to deliver unclaimed arrangements to nursing homes or homebound individuals. Please let the church office know if you or your group are interested in participating.

Thank you for making my job so rewarding. Sue Penney

Easter is Eternal

If Easter means anything to modern man, it means that eternal truth is eternal. You may nail it to the tree, wrap it up in grave clothes and seal it in a tomb. But truth crushed to earth shall rise again. Truth does not perish. It cannot be destroyed. It may be distorted. It has been silenced temporarily. It has been compelled to carry its cross to Calvary’s brow … but with an inevitable certainty, after every Black Friday dawns truth’s Easter morn.

—Donald H. Tippet

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APRIL Birthdays 4/01 Daniel Sullivan 4/02 Bert Ehrig, Jr. Heather Ramsey 4/03 Jean Burns Paisley Gibson 4/04 Ruth Minyard Cheryl Atkinson Valerie Cantu 4/05 Christina Menking Kellie Staton Hunter Williams Angelica Raley 4/07 Hunter Borrer 4/08 Ralph Raabe Kaylin Petras 4/09 Keeton Ehrig Jacob Bird 4/10 Dorothy Green Kegan Kay Kevin Bird Kaylee Pearson Thomas Hardcastle

4/12 Julie Lester Crystal Ehrig Joshua Massey 4/13 Loni Lester Zane DuBose 4/14 Travis Fink Coby Witzkoske 4/15 Robert Cowan 4/17 Karen Vaughan 4/18 Steve Willman Gene Kridler 4/19 Joe Qualls Billy Ploetz Kiley Braune Chase Arledge 4/22 Katie Garrett 4/23 Derrick Lester 4/24 Commie Hisey Gene Reed Megan Massey 4/25 Travis Thibodeaux Kenley Wyant

4/26 Crystal M. Boyd Paisley Ploeger Braelyi Williams 4/27 Anita Hornung Krista Lester 4/28 Tonya Eppright 4/29 Wesley Brown Sammie Gibson 4/30 Cory Riedel

4/02 Kenna and Stephen Lucas

4/06 Sue and Forrest Penney

4/07 Liz & Sterling DuBose

4/16 Haley & Kevin Pirkle

4/20 Keri & Billy Hornung

4/22 Linda and Jim Arledge Shelley and Randall Thomas

4/25 Rebekah and Bobby Morgan

4/26 Mary and Erwin Ckodre

4/27 Shylo and Randon Ulcak Susanne & Kirk Bennett

4/29 Jennifer & Garrick Davis

ANNIVERSARIES IN APRIL

Altar Flowers for April are given by:

April 1 ~ Easter Lilies

April 8 ~ Bill May, Pete and Leann Wilkerson - In Memory of Dean May; Steve and Mary Willman - In Memory of Honor of Our Mothers, In Memory of Our Fathers

April 15 ~ John and Edith Lucas - In Honor of Our Children and Grandchildren

April 22 ~ Norman and Jean Burns - In Honor of William Gunn (Bill) Johnson’s 92nd Birthday; Bobby Morgan Family - In Memory of Trista

April 29 ~ Dewey and Amanda Smith - In Honor of Our Parents

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April 1, 2018 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Brendan Mercer Kylee Watson ACOLYTES Blakely Mercer Baron DuBose Braden Clampit Sadie Morgan (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Sue Boothe David Bird Billy Boothe Jeffery Braune Jimmy Borrer Mike Davis Gary Clack Bitsy Henderson

Terry Towns Tyler Morgan LITURGIST Kiley Allen Kiley Allen CHILDREN’S SERMON

April 8, 2018 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Mallory Clack Paisley Gibson ACOLYTES Tara Lester Landon Holub Cade Davis Peyton Ruddock (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Erwin Ckodre Tom Lester Sr. Kenneth Fink Jim Benedict Herman Grauke Jenice Benedict

Martha Jo Whitt Gene Kridler LITURGIST Lisa Gindler Lisa Gindler CHILDREN’S SERMON

APRIL WORSHIP ASSISTANTS

April 15, 2018 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Cree Stowers Addyson Kardosz ACOLYTES Megan Tenberg Dixie Lester Chase Heldarsen Kiley Allen (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Joe Britt Hindman Justin Pope Ronnie Menking Mary Tomas Greg Sengelmann Brian Sherman Steve Taylor Katrina Sherman

Gary Clack Pam Lester LITURGIST Commie Hisey Commie Hisey CHILDREN’S SERMON

If you are unable to serve on the date scheduled, please contact the church office, 672-8521.

April 22, 2018 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Brody Borrer Faith Lester ACOLYTES Hadley Borrer Joelee Lester Jaylen Johnson Sadie Thibodeaux (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS John Whitt Ray Neitsch Martha Jo Whitt Leslie Ploeger Commie Hisey David Bird Jimmy Borrer Jeffery Braune

Marie Currie Cheryl Meadows LITURGIST Allison Davis Allison Davis CHILDREN’S SERMON

April 29, 2018 8:30 SERVICE 10:45 SERVICE Cole Boothe Paisley Ploeger ACOLYTES Morgan Boothe Weston Ruddock Natalie Tenberg Nicholas Casares (cross)

Emmitt Currie (Lead) Pal Lester (Lead) USHERS Sue Boothe Mike Davis Billy Boothe Bitsy Henderson Erwin Ckodre Greg Griffin Gary Clack Shirley Goss

Allison Davis Deanie Ploeger LITURGIST Pastor Matt Pastor Matt CHILDREN’S SERMON

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Wesley Nurse News

Dear Church family: “I went down to the grove of walnut trees and out to the valley to see the new spring growth, to see whether the grapevines had budded or the pomegranates were in bloom.” Song of Solomon 6:11. Spring gives us such pleasure as we see everything coming back to life, and it’s a reminder of the new life that we have through Christ’s resurrection. Gardening is a pleasure for most of us, but it is also an exercise and can lead to injuries. Raking, mulching, planting, trimming, and digging are good physical activity yet can result in pain and stiffness in our neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, knees, and back if we over-extend ourselves. To enjoy the flowers, vegetables and fruits without pain try these tips. Treat gardening as a sport: Warm up and stretch the muscles before beginning. Plan your work carefully to avoid injuries. Set a moderate pace and time schedule to allow enjoyment of the task and minimize potential injuries. Wear safety goggles, sturdy shoes, and long pants to prevent injury when using power tools and equipment. Protect your hearing when using machinery. If you have to raise your voice to talk to someone who is an arm’s length away, the noise can be potentially harmful to your hearing. Wear gloves to lower the risk for skin irritations, cuts, and certain contaminants. Protect yourself from diseases caused by mosquitoes and ticks. Wear long-sleeved shirts, and pants tucked in your socks. Lower your risk for sunburn and skin cancer. Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, sun shades, and sunscreen with SPF factor. Remember good body mechanics: When lifting heavy bags of dirt or mulch keep your back straight, bend your knees, lift with the legs, and hold objects close to your body. If shoveling, lift the dirt and turn the entire body to empty it, do not twist. Change it up: Use different muscle groups and minimize the repetitive stress placed on joints and extremities by frequently changing activities. Use a cushion, stool, or small bench when weeding. The support helps reduce stress placed on knees and spine from gardening movements. Take frequent breaks: By stopping to stretch, getting a drink or just enjoying the progress every half hour, you minimize your chance of injury or dehydration. Stop gardening if fatigued or in pain. That “one last thing” when tired leads to injury. If pain occurs, stop! If pain persists, apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce inflammation. DO NOT USE HEAT - it increases the inflammatory process. If pain persists, contact your physician. “A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit.” Matthew 7:17. When making dietary change to healthier foods, consider a garden. Fruits and vegetables always taste better from a garden than a hothouse since they can ripen naturally and are less processed than those purchased in stores. It is also easier to introduce healthy foods into a diet when they are the result of the hard work of our own personal garden. If you grow herbs, you can enhance the taste of your other food and decrease the use of salt as a flavoring. Having plenty of vegetables and herbs right outside your door will help battle the risks of heart disease and cancer, so start planning yours today. “I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me.” Hosea 14:8. We can learn lessons about God from our garden since the cycle of plant life is just like the cycle of people. The process of preparing, planting, cultivating, and harvesting takes great care and can’t be rushed. Plants need the right soil, mixture of water, and amount of sunlight to grow to their full potential. God does the same for us, He offers us His love, adds His presence, and encourages us through our faith, church, and family. Like the plant, our spiritual life is a journey through life’s ups and downs. With God’s guidance, we come to full bloom and bear God’s love to all of those around us.

Your Wesley Nurse, Janelle Lester, BSN, RN

Reference: Merila, N. & Slutz (2009) Seasons of Wholeness Monthly themes and programming for faith community ministry. Volume VI. International Parish Nurse Resource Center; St. Louis, MO.http://www.cdc.gov/family/gardening.

Announcements and Upcoming Events – ­ Thank you to all of those who donated blood at our March Blood Drive. We collected a total of 20 units of blood.

Your giving hearts continue to simply amaze me! Through your donation, 60+ lives have been positively impacted. Thank you for taking the time to donate blood and for your support. Your donation is truly appreciated by the blood recipients, their loved ones and all of us here at the First United Methodist Church. I am so grateful for your time, generosity, and dedication to helping others.

­ Diabetes Education – On Thursday, April 12th from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm, we will have a Diabetes Educational Class at thrive HEALTHPLEX in Create. thrive is located beside the Gonzales Memorial Hospital at 1300 Capt. Albert Martin Trail, Gonzales, TX 78629. Hilda Ramirez, RN, CDE with Texas A&M University Coastal Bend Health Education Center, will teach about the disease that affects so many. Lunch will be provided at this event by our local hospital. Registration is necessary. If you would like to learn more about the disease and management or more information about the class, please call me in my office to register. (Please note the location change!)

­ The Dementia-Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support group meets on the first Wednesday of the month. This month we will meet on April 4th at 1 pm in the Bridal Parlor.

­ The Cancer Support group meets monthly. This month we will meet on April 10th at noon in the Narthex. ­ The Walking class meets Monday – Thursday at 1:30 pm, in the Fellowship Hall. Please come and join in fun,

fellowship, and a good workout! ­ The Flex and Tone exercise class meet on Tuesday and Thursdays at 11 am in the Choir Room (Please note the

new location). ­ If you need any of the Wesley Nurse services or would like to visit about the services I am able to provide, please

call 830.672.1031 to set up an appointment or email me at jlester@mhm.org.

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FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MEMORIALS 1st Quarter 2018

NOEL “BUSTER” LINDEMANN David & Mona Bivins Twan Brady CHRIS BARTELS Joe Britt & Rosemary Hindman-Earth Angels Happy & Dee Schieberle-Earth Angels Ludene Poe DONALD CUVELIER Joe Britt & Rosemary Hindman-Earth Angels John & Edith Lucas-Children’s Ministry Katie Garrett Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan Ludene Poe Jack & Dyna DuBose-Scholarship EMIL KOCIAN Earth Angels Quilt Group-Earth Angels Emmitt & Marie Currie-Bereavement Joe Britt & Rosemary Hindman-Earth Angels Ludene Poe LEROY LAVENDER Happy & Dee Schieberle-Earth Angels LINDA GRAUKE Happy & Dee Schieberle-Earth Angels RICHARD HARDCASTLE Katie Garrett John & Edith Lucas-Children’s Ministry Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski-Landscape Emmitt & Marie Currie-Children’s Ministry Belle Witt-Bereavement Marian Gindler Ludene Poe David & Sascha Kardosz-Bereavement The Bobby Morgan Family-Stockton Building Happy & Dee Schieberle-Earth Angels ASHLEY PIRKLE Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski-Landscape Matt & Lea Ann Wyant-HH Stephen & Kenna Lucas-HH Dan & Terry Nelson Tom & Pam Lester-Children’s Ministry Emmitt & Marie Currie-Stockton Building Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan Carolyn Harrell Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Pirkle Gonzales Livestock Market, Inc. Harold & Brenda Grauke Junior, Marilyn & James Buchholtz Marian Gindler Darlene McFarlin Ludene Poe Mike & Allyson Cole Ralph & Lori Raabe David & Sascha Kardosz-Youth Charles & Maydell Pankey-Scholarship Jack & Dyna DuBose-Scholarship Paula Jones & Delton Schmidt GHS Class of 1966

EWELL SANDERS Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Belle Witt-Bereavement Ludene Poe ORETA VAUGHN Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Ludene Poe BRAD VOLLENTINE Belle Witt-Bereavement GREG KIM RALEY Belle Witt-Bereavement DOROTHY TENBERG LaVerne Davis-Bereavement Jerry & Julia Oakes JAMES KNANDEL Barry & Lauren Boothe JOHN CHARLES DUBOSE Barry & Lauren Boothe LAURA BIVINS Barry & Lauren Boothe Jack & Dyna DuBose-Scholarship ELIZABETH GRIMES John & Edith Lucas-Children’s Ministry DANNIE SCHELLENGERG Shirley Hodges Emmitt & Marie Currie-Wesley Nurse Ludene Poe Larry & Beth Mercer Buddy & Dorothy Wood Gonzales Young Farmers Gonzales Livestock Market, Inc. Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan Joe Britt & Rosemary Hindman-Earth Angels Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski-Landscape Norma B. Fink John Tinsley Johnnie & Debbie Fogle-Stockton Building David & Debbie Culak Barry & Lauren Boothe Charles & Maydell Pankey-Scholarship Steve & Laurie Taylor-Bereavement Jerry & Julia Oakes Jack & Dyna DuBose-Scholarship Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones PATSY DOWNEY Ludene Poe Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan Johnnie & Debbie Fogle-HH Marian Gindler Jerry & Julia Oakes JERRY MALIK The Bobby Morgan Family-Stockton Building Joe Britt & Rosemary Hindman-Earth Angels Jeff & Dinah Braune Jerry & Julia Oakes Ludene Poe KEITH BROWN Amy & Chris Thibodeaux Twan Brady MORGAN FARRAR Timothy & Natalie Knesek-Children’s Ministry

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MEMORIALS CONTINUED: PERRY SMITH Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan John & Edith Lucas-Children’s Ministry Emmitt & Marie Currie-Stockton Building Debbie Robinson-Good Samaritan Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski-Landscape Amy & Chris Thibodeaux Bill & Barbara DeBerry-Bereavement Norma B. Fink-Missions Earth Angels Quilt Group-Earth Angels Johnnie & Debbie Fogle-Stockton Building David & Debbie Culak Barry & Lauren Boothe Nancy Burns-Bereavement Jeff & Dinah Braune-Stockton Building Charles & Maydell Pankey-Scholarship Larry & Patrice Gray-Bereavement Jack & Dyna DuBose-Scholarship Happy & Dee Schieberle-Earth Angels Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Ludene Poe MARY ROSE SANDERS Amy & Chris Thibodeaux Nancy Burns-Bereavement Happy & Dee Schieberle-Earth Angels Ludene Poe WILLIAM “BILL” HALLMARK Twan Brady JOAQUIN ELLIS David & Sascha Kardosz-Youth The Bobby Morgan Family-Stockton Building Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski-Youth John & Edith Lucas Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan JOSEPHINE MERCER Stephen & Kenna Lucas-HH Charles & Maydell Pankey-Scholarship Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski-HH Earth Angels Quilt Group-EA Debbie Robinson-Children’s Ministry Johnnie & Debbie Fogle-Children’s Ministry Jack & Dyna DuBose-Scholarship Marian Gindler-Bereavement Happy & Dee Schieberle-Earth Angels Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan Belle Witt-Bereavement Barry & Lauren Boothe Ludene Poe FRED PEREZ Bill & Jeanette Mayer-Stockton Building DORIS SHANKLIN John & Edith Lucas Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski Stephen & Kenna Lucas Matt & Lea Ann Wyant Jay & Donna Gray-Bereavement BEN RICHTER Ludene Poe LULU PITTMAN SPEARS Ludene Poe LLOYD KURTZ Belle Witt Ludene Poe KENNETH MCDONALD The Bobby Morgan Family-Stockton Building

JANE BOOTHE Greg & Joan Griffin-Good Samaritan Kenneth & Laverne Brzozowski David & Sascha Kardosz-Wesley Nurse Amy & Chris Thibodeaux The Bobby Morgan Family-Children’s Ministry Billie J. Bruns-HH Emmitt & Marie Currie-HH Tom & Pam Lester-Bereavement Debbie Robinson-Children’s Ministry Bill & Ann Reaves-Bereavement George & Mary Ruth Hastie Pal & Bethel Lester-Youth John & Edith Lucas-Children’s Ministry Erwin & Mary Ckodre-Prayer Shawl Ralph & Lori Raabe Forrest & Sue Penney Joe Britt & Rosemary Hindman-Earth Angels Tommy & Liz Ervin Eva Boscamp-Stockton Building Alyssa Jurek Bill & Juanita Blundell-Bereavement Linda Stulting-Bereavement Buddy & Shirley Wolff Norma B. Fink-Missions Marian Gindler Bill & Barbara DeBerry-Bereavement Joyce Harris-Bereavement Harold & Brenda Grauke Buddy & Dorothy Wood Gonzales Livestock Market, Inc. Gary & Nadine Collura James & Mona Lassig Carroll & Susanne Barnett Stephen & Kenna Lucas Charles & Maydell Pankey-Scholarship Steve & Laurie Taylor-Children’s Ministry Larry & Patrice Gray-Bereavement Carolyn Harrell-Bereavement Nancy Burns-Bereavement Johnnie & Debbie Fogle-Children’s Ministry David & Debbie Culak Mozelle Henderson Freddie & Linda Finch Ann Roberts Jack & Dyna DuBose-Scholarship Happy & Dee Schieberle-Earth Angels Bunkie Selman & Mary Jones Thomas & Saralynne Perryman Lou Ann Mackey Melton David & Mona Bivins Belle Witt-Bereavement John & Iris Anna Mohrmann Ludene Poe Katie Garrett SARAH KING The Bobby Morgan Family DOROTHY MCGINTY Sandra Atkinson-Children’s Ministry Emmitt & Marie Currie-Youth Pal & Bethel Lester-Youth Esther Tichavsky-Bereavement Larry & Beth Mercer Dale & Shirley Carleton Norman & Jean Burns Charles & Maydell Pankey-Scholarship

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Children’s Corner April is upon us ready or not. I am continuing to enjoy working with your children and getting to know each of them. As I have settled into my new role in the church, this thought has been laid on my heart, “Inspiring Children’s Faith in God……Together.” I truly believe that a church family working together instills the deep rooted faith in our future church leaders. I am so thankful to be a part of a church that believes this whole heartedly and knows the importance of investing our kids. I am very excited for our Sunday School Classes to start their journey with a brand new curriculum and approach to teaching our kids. Over the years’, attendance has dwindled and it has lost its popularity. Our lives pull us in so many different directions with an abundance of activities. We are hoping to give life back to Sunday School. We have great teachers who volunteer their time to help build the faith of our children. Join us in encouraging your children to try out a Sunday School Class. Pioneer Club has thrived. We have had a great semester and look forward to many more successful years. We have drawn a great many of local children who don’t have a church home. We are thankful to be able to provide them with a weekly opportunity to grow their faith. Pioneer Club would not be possible without the dedicated faith filled volunteers that are so giving of their time and talents. I simply can’t thank each of them enough. It is time to start thinking about Spaghetti Supper. Can you believe that on April 27th we will hold our 50th Annual Spaghetti Supper? In fact, just this week a volunteer shared a copy of the original sauce recipe that belonged to Maydell and Weldene’s mother. Did you know that the Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser was started to fund a trip for our then popular youth choir to attend choir conference? Through the years the event has evolved to now support our youth and children ministries. Many volunteers will be needed to ensure a successful event. Be on the lookout for ticket bags to come home with your children and sign up boards to go up in the Narthex. Tickets will be due back to the church office by Wednesday, April 25th. Save the Dates: Spaghetti Supper – April 27th VBS – June 11th – 15th Splashway Trip – June 25th Basic Training Camp – July 22nd – 25th Lego Day Camp – July 30th – August 3rd

A Psalm of Victory! O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures for ever! Let Israel say, ‘His steadfast love endures for ever.’ Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Save us, we beseech you, O Lord! O Lord, we beseech you, give us success! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.We bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, and he has given us light.Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,for his steadfast love endures for ever. (Psalm 118:12, 19-29) Good day, dear Reader! I'm praying this is a wonderful day for you and yours! May this devotional and time you spend in prayer today, bring rich and wonderful blessings to you and your loved ones and circle of friends. During out study program in Israel, our professor took us to many city gates. In fact, our time in Jerusalem was in the Old City, which still has remnants of the city wall and our hotels were located near the Jaffa Gate. We visited an ancient city where Jacob lived and the government has taken great pain in preserving the entire structure to protect the city from the elements. For some reason, the sun shines brighter in Israel than here and we had to wear hats or caps and sunglasses to protect ourselves from it. But the city gates are not as large as one would think; they were small to allow about four people across to enter and leave the city. The gates were the weakest point of defense against enemies; but for those invited and returning home, the city gate was a sight for sore eyes and the gates would open wide in celebration. This psalm is one considered prophetic about Jesus' entering the city gates of Jerusalem for His ministry and purpose during His last week on the earth. The psalmist, like he almost does, begins with a word of thanks and praise to the Lord God. Then the word about the city gates opening as gates of righteousness, so that this one from God could enter in and give thanks to the Lord. The gates become gates of righteousness for the righteous to enter in. He who was bringing salvation could come in and share that gift with the righteous. The image of Christ as the rejected one who becomes the Chief Cornerstone is mentioned here. And the part of the psalm most of us know by memory, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it," but it is followed with a plea, "Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!" We know what happens next. Jesus finds the Temple not as a place of worship, but as a market place, and a corrupt one at that; an entire economy of greed operating in a sacred area. Salvation was needed and Jesus came to bring it. Jesus' entry into our lives, hearts, minds, and spirits is still a reason for celebration and great joy. It is God working for our good and for our salvation; more reason to invite Him in and celebrate with Him. All we have to do is think about the areas of our lives that are not where they should be, the sins, the doubts,, the fears, worries - any and all things impeding our forward movement - Jesus can remove them and restore us to the right relationship with God which is salvation. And all we have to do is to ask and believe. PRAYER: Loving God, open wide the gates of my heart and life, and enter in. Become the salvation that I need. Overturn the tables of greed and self-centeredness and drive away with whips the fear and doubt in my life; restore me to righteousness and let me be a light to others. This I pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, Amen.

Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. Invite the Lord in and drive the devil out!

Eradio Valverde

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Earth Angels

Women who are interested in quilting make up our group called Earth Angels. Meetings are usually held at 6:00 PM on the second Tuesday of each month in the FUMC Fellowship Center. A typical meeting involves an inspirational reading, the mentioning of persons who may be in need of prayers or a quilt, as well as interesting programs, sharing ideas, showing quilts, and engaging in quilting projects. Fellowship and learning play a major role in Earth Angels. Feel free to visit our next meeting on April 9.

Book Club News

At our March meeting, Norma Fink led an interesting discussion of the month's selection, Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann. This best-selling book relating the fate of the Osage Indians of northern Oklahoma who had the good fortune of becoming wealthy from oil discovered on their lands in the 1920's. By a stroke of good luck or divine intervention, these Indians owned their plots of land (with mineral rights) as opposed to the more common reservation system. Their good luck played out when large numbers were killed by various methods (shooting, poisoning, explosions). Young J. Edgar Hoover, newly-appointed FBI director, sent an ex-Texas Ranger Tom White to Oklahoma to investigate. An interesting story evolves. The book painted a vivid picture of the Osages and their history, the prejudices and bigotry of the times, and the black hearts of the greedy individuals who would stop at nothing to get their hands on the oil money. In April, we will read another best-selling true story, The Zoo Keeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman. Set in Warsaw, Poland, at the beginning of World War II, the book presents another picture of the Nazi horrors, involving the Warsaw Ghetto, the zoo and its animals, numerous characters who were housed by the zoo keeper's wife in their escapes from the Nazis. We will discuss this book on Thursday, April 26 at 9:30 in the church library and also choose titles for the coming six months, so plan to join us if you love to read, discuss books, or just like being around a nice group of people. We are not all Methodists, so invite and bring friends. For more information, call 672-9307.

Martha Jo Whitt

United Methodist Women News

On February 5, Marsha Preismeyer led our spiritual growth study, entitled “Living as a Convenant Community”. We were pleased to have eight ladies visiting from Yoakum, Smiley, Luling, and William Taylor. Four ladies from Gonzales were in attendance as well as our visiting musician, William Meadows. We were led through the four parts of the book which included: ­ God as Convenant Maker—The Covenant of Care and Grace – Adam & Eve; ­ Covenant-Keeper God and Faithful, Obedient Covenant People – The covenant of Redemption and Safety and

the Covenant of Blessing; ­ God the Equipper and God’s Covenant Nation – The Covenant Guidance and Law; ­ Covenant-Fulfilling God and Grace-Filled Covenant Community – The Covenants of Eternal Rule, Everlasting

Friendship, and the Everlasting Covenant We were able to view these important points in time through the following categories: blessings; curses, conditions, consequences; time frame; symbol, convenant meal; blood; the qualities of the person in the covnant; and what does this covenant have to say to us and our faith journey/covenatnal community. The activity was enlightening – great information to keep close at home. Well done, Marsha. Lunch was served by Joan Griffin, Mary Martha Ehrig, and Cheryl Meadows. Thanks to Joan and Mary Martha for your work in the kitchen.

March 3rd Visit from the Rio Texas UMW Executive Committee Grace Perez, Conference UMW President and members of the executive committee will be coming to Gonzales FUMC for a site visit of the church plant, room availability, sanctuary needs, and our church responsibilities. Pray for a productive meeting. Our meeting was very productive; many decisions have been decided upon while many others are pending the Rio Conference Executive Committee meeting the first of April. Please continue to pray for the executive committee and its continuing work.

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STATISTICAL REPORT FEBRUARY, 2018

DATE 8:30 10:45 TOTAL SS OFFERINGS 4 120 133 253 83 $ 15,275.33 11 98 106 204 84 $ 13,041.11 18 106 130 236 78 $ 12,066.39 25 99 122 221 76 $ 9,277.15

TOTALS: 423 491 914 321 $ 49,632.98 AVERAGES: 106 123 229 80

TOTAL EXPENSES FOR THE MONTH: $ 55,612.01 NET GAIN OR LOSS FOR THE MONTH: $ 9,979.03 APPORTIONMENTS PAID TO DATE: ___ 17%

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What’s Been Happening

Spring Break: Operation Serve Gonzales This year was our 2nd Annual Operation Serve Gonzales. We partnered up with the First Baptist Youth Group and were able to give back to our community in many different ways. We served at Legacy Ranch, helped out our neighbors around their homes, and helped clean up Palmetto State Park. Our community does so much to support this youth ministry and this was a little way that we could say thank you for all that you do. We worked hard, but had a little fun too! Butter Braids We cannot thank you all enough for all your support during our Costa Rica Mission Trip Fundraisers. Butter Braid sales were a big success and helped us raise necessary funds for this summer’s mission trip. I hope you all are enjoying your delicious pastries with friends and family. Children & Youth Sunday Our children and youth did an amazing job leading our church in worship at both worship services. We are very proud of them for stepping out of their comfort zones to share the love of Christ.

Upcoming Events

College Trip On Tuesday, April 10, we will be taking a trip to Texas A&M to attend Breakaway for any interested Junior or Seniors. Breakaway is a huge worship service at Reed Arena that hosts 10,000 students every week. We want this to be an opportunity to expose our juniors and seniors Christian organizations on campus once they get into college and encourage them to get involved with groups. Contact Katrina Sherman for more information. 50th Annual Spaghetti Supper Spaghetti Supper is already here! And not just any Spaghetti Supper, but the 50th Annual Spaghetti Supper! This fundraiser does so much to support both our Children and Youth Ministries and it is all thanks to our Church family and the entire community that shows up to support us. Sign up sheets will be going up and tickets will be making there way around so be on the lookout. Join us once again for this amazing event! Senior Sunday On Sunday, April 29th, we will be honoring our graduating seniors with a luncheon after our 2nd service. Please join us to pray for these students and wish them well in their next step of their life.

Dates to Remember

Camp Eagle Group Camp July 15-20: We still have a few spots remaining for our camp at Camp Eagle. The price for camp is $420/person. Contact either Brian or Katrina Sherman if your youth is interested in joining us this summer. Costa Rica Mission Trip Keep us in your prayers as our Mission Trip is quickly approaching. We will be working in Puerto Viejo de Sarapaqui from July 1-8. We have received some incredible support from the community and we cannot express how grateful we are.

Always happening

Youth Group Every Wednesday-JH Lesson: 5-6PM, Dinner and Games: 6-7PM, HS Lesson: 7-8PM.

Youth News

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PRE-SORTED Standard Non-Profit U.S. Postage Paid

Gonzales, Texas 78629 PERMIT NO. 4

50th Annual

Spaghetti Supper

Friday, April 27, 2018

First United Methodist Church Fellowship Center

4:30 to 7:30-Take Out 5:00 to 7:30– Dine In

Children & Youth Ministry Fundraiser

$ 8 per plate